Most global warming pollution comes from burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) including driving cars and trucks. Any serious effort to deal with global warming must involve changes in the way we use and produce energy, including the development of more fuel-efficient vehicles.

The most recent report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) concluded that the world could slow and then reduce global warming pollution over the next several decades through more efficiency and by using current and emerging technologies. Governments around the world need to begin investing in clean technologies rather than polluting ones and setting firm limits on the amount of global warming pollution that can be emitted. They also need to set stronger fuel efficiency standards for vehicles. Ultimately, what is needed is the development of a whole new energy economy. The United States currently produces about 70 percent of its electricity by burning fossil fuels, such as coal, but only two percent from renewable sources, such as sun, wind and biomass.  Transforming our economy from one that is heavily dependant on foreign oil and polluting technologies to one that embraces clean, renewable and more efficient technologies will not only help prevent the worst effects of climate change, it will save consumers money and create jobs.

If we continue on our current trajectory, we will cause atmospheric concentrations of CO₂ to increase, leading to catastrophic and irreversible global warming. There are solutions. However, if we fail to act immediately, the task will become more difficult, and the economic costs will greatly increase. 

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